“This immature sub-adult male Chestnut-breasted Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus curvirostris singularis) was foraging in the early morning of 27th November 2009. It was very, very friendly – allowed me an hour of casual viewing at close range.
“The foliage and light contrast did make photography challenging but notice that it did not look fully mature.
“It is not a juvenile as it has the light blue iris of the male. However the apical one third of the tail is not chestnut as in the adult. Also, the grey in the face is not fully developed in colour (lighter) and extent (see below the beak). The red at the basal half of the lower mandible is also not fully developed in colour and extent. Finally, the metallic green-blue sheen of the wings not fully developed.
“This bird was the vanguard of a jungle bird wave (mixed-feeding foraging flock)”.
Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
27th November 2009
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